President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the 49th Jnanpith award (also spelled as Gyanpeeth Award) on Hindi poet Kedarnath Singh, an eminent critic and essayist, for his outstanding contribution towards Indian literature.
Kedar Nath Singh’s poetry is characterized by simple, everyday language and images that string together to convey complex themes.
Jnanpith award is considered as the country’s highest literary award.
The Jnanpith award, was institutionalised in 1961 by philanthropist couple Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain and Late Rama Jain, to recognize and award Indian authors for their contribution to Indian literature. It carries a cheque for 
11 lakh, a citation plaque and a bronze replica of Saraswati, the Indian goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts.
